Automatic demounting press for removing wheels from axle wheel sets



June 22, 1965 B. A. HOFFMANN AUTOMATIC DEMOUNTING PRESS FOR REMOVING WHEELS FROM AXLE WHEEL SETS 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 26, 1962 INVENTOR. BER/VHARD A. HOFFMAN MW" 5 ATTORNEY June 22, 1965 B. A. HOFFMANN AUTOMATIC DEMOUNTING PRESS FOR REMOVING WHEELS FROM AXLE WHEEL SETS 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 26, 1962 INVENTOR. BERN/MRO A. HOP/MANN ATTU/PNE'V June 22, 1965 B. A. HOFFMANN 3,189,985 AUTOMATIC DEMOUNTING PRESS FOR REMOVING WHEELS FROM AXLE WHEEL sm's Filed June 26, 1962 8 Sheets-Sheet. 3

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Bf/P/VHARD A. HOFFMAN/V MN-SW Arron/v47 June 22, 1965 B. A. HOFFMANN 3,189,985

AUTOMATIC DEMOUNTING PRESS FOR REMOVING WHEELS FROM AXLE WHEEL SETS Filed June 26, 1962 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 N B b E \\q Q INVENTORL BER/VHARD A. HOP/MANN ATTORNEY June 22, 1965 B. A. HOFFMANN 3,189,985 AUTOMATIC DEMOUNTING PRESS FOR REMOVING WHEELS FROM AXLE WHEEL SETS Filed June 26, 1962 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Q INVENTOR HERA/HARD A. HOFFMAN/V B ATTORNEY June 22, 1965 B. A. HOFFMANN AUTOMATIC 3,18%),98 5 DEMOUNT'ING PRESS FOR REMOVING WHEELS FROM AXLE WHEEL: SETS 8 Sheets-Sheer '1 Filed June 26, 1962 /Z6 LX'1 1 258 a INVENTOR. BER/VHARD AWHOFFMANN j m 5 J fi a a 2 2 M F 2 I 4 L 2 0. 0 b H a M g #12 a w H 2 a 24 d p M Q. w 21 2 #2 a 1 i ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,189,985 AUTOMATIC DEMOUNTING PRESS FUR REMQV- IN G WIEEIJS FROM AXLE WHEEL SETS Bernhard A. Hoffmann, Media, Pa, assignor to iialdwin- Lima-Hamilton Corporation, Philadelphia, Pa, a corporation of Pennsylvania Filed June 26, 1%2, Ser. No. 205,296 9 Claims. (Cl. 29-208) This invention relates to a demounting press, and more particularly, to a completely automatic press for removing wheels from axle wheel sets.

In the renovation of railroad equipment, there is a need for an automatic denrounting press capable of removing the wheels from an axle wheel set and separating the parts completely automatically. In accomplishing such a device, I provide a trip mechanism which permits one wheel set to roll due to gravity along a set of rails to the demounting press of the present invention. In response to the presence of a wheel set in the demounting press, the press is activated and performs the necessary functions in a sequential manner to completely disassemble the axle wheel set. Means are provided to automatically receive the axle and wheels for conveyance to a remote point. Thereafter, another axle wheel set may be automatically fed to the demounting press.

In the demounting press of the present invention, all operations are sequentially initiated in response to the previous operation. As soon as one operation is completed, a microswitch is tripped or pressure of hydraulic fluid in a conduit increases to the point whereby a pressure switch initiates the next operation. The demounting press of the present invention is provided with means so that axles and wheels of varying diameters are capable of being accommodated.

When the automatic demounting press of the present invention has been properly orientated and adjusted for operation, it will continuously perform its function without the requirement of operating personnel. In this regard, the demounting press of the present invention may be a component of a completely automated maintenance system for renovating transportation equipment designed to move along fixed guide rails. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be utilized on any type of axle and wheel sets wherein the wheels are press fitted onto the axle.

-It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel completely automatic demounting press.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an automatic demounting press capable of automatically separating axle wheel sets into its individual components.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel demounting press wherein the 'demounting operations are initiated in response to the presence of an axle wheel set in the press.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel automatic demounting press wherein all operations are sequentially initiated in response to a previously completed operation.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a novel demounting press which does not require the presence of operating personnel.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a novel demounting press which is capable of being utilized as a component of a completely automated system for renovating transportation apparatus.

Other objects will be made clear hereinafter.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention there is shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIGURE 1 is a schematic sectional View of the demounting press of the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is a side elevation view taken along the lines 2--2 in FIGURE 1.

\FIGURE 2a is a cross sectional view of the axle centering device of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 3 is a schematic illustration of the circuitry and controls therefor for a portion of the apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 4 is a schematic illustration of the circuitry and controls therefor for a portion of the apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1.

FIGURES Sa-Sd are schematic wiring diagrams for the apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1.

Referring to the drawing in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is shown in FIGURE 1 an axle wheel set demounting press designated generally as It).

The press 10 is mounted on a supporting surface such as floor 112. The floor I12 is provided with spaced parallel channels 14 and 16 which receive portions of the press 10. A pair of spaced parallel rails 1-8 and 210 are supported by the floor 12. between the channels 14 and 16. As illustrated more clearly in FIGURE 2, the rails are inclined slightly so that axle wheel sets permitted to pass by the trip mechanism 241 will be capable of rolling due to gravity into the press 10.

Each axle wheel set includes an axle 22 having wheels 24 and 26 press fitted thereon. The rails 18 and may be notched and provided with a limit stop at a point wherein it is desired to stop the axle wheel set within the press Jill. A pair of elevators '27 and 27' are provided to raise an axle wheel set which has been received within the press. Elevator 27 includes a pressure cylinder '28 disposed within channel 16. Elevator 27" includes a pressure cylinder 28' disposed within channel =14. The elevators '27 and 27 are identical. Accordingly, only elevator \27 need be described in detail. It is to be understood that elevator 27 is identical therewith and corresponding elements are provided with primed numerals.

The pressure cylinder 2% is provided with a piston 30 therein. The piston is connected to a piston rod '32 which extends through the uppermost end of the cylinder 28. The free end of the piston rod 32 is fixedly connected to a C-shaped support plate 134.

The plate 34 reciprocally supports a pair of shoe plates 36 and 38 mounted for reciprocation toward and away from each other. The shoe plate 36 rota'tably supports a V-block 37. The shoe plate 88 rotatably supports a V- block 39. Each of the plates :36 and 38 are provided with a rack meshingly engaged with a pinion 4 secured to the output shaft of a hydraulic motor 42.

A standard 4 1 is supported by the floor 12 to one side of the channel '16. A standard 4d is supported by the fioor 12 to one side of the channel 14 so that the channels are disposed between the standards. The various components supported by the standards 4d and 41' are identical. Accordingly, only the elements supported by the standard 41 will be described in detail. It is to be understood that the corresponding elements supported by the standard 41 are indicated with primed numerals.

The standard 41 supports a horizontally disposed cylinder housing 44 having a main cylinder 46 and traversing cylinders 4 8 and 50. A piston 49 is disposed within the cylinder d8. A piston 51 is disposed within the cylinder 5% Each of the pistons 49 and 51 are connected by means of piston rods to a cross plate 52 having a centering pin 54 extending therefrom and coaxial with the cylinder 4-5. A main ram 55 is disposed within the cylinder 46.

Wheel clamps designated generally as :56 and 56' are supported between the housings 44 and 44 and in a plane thereabove. Each of the wheel clamps are identical. Accordingly, only wheel clamp 56 will be described in detail. The components of wheel clamp will be provided with corresponding primed numerals.

The wheel clamp 56 includes a jaw 58 and a jaw 60. The jaw 58 is connected by a piston rod 57 to a piston 64 which is disposed 'within a cylinder housing 62. The jaw 60 is fixedly secured to the cylinder housing 62. Accordingly, the jaw 58 is capable of having reciprocatory motion with respect to the jaw 60. The cylinder housings 6 2 and s2 are slidably supported on rods 92 and 92 respectively. The ends of the rods 92 and 92 are fixedly secured to standard extensions :68 and 68 respectively.

An axle centering device d (better shown in FIGURE 2a) is adapted to handle wheel sets in such a way that regardless of axle length, the axle will automatically find its unloading position.

At any time when cross plates 52 and 52' are equidistant from the center line of the press, pinion -94 with limit switch actuator 96 will be in the center of the press. This occurs when the center line of the axle is in line with the center line of the press.

Since, during the process of pressing off wheels 24 and 26 the axle 22 moves first to the right and then to the left of the center line of the press, limit switch 1% becomes active only after the right hand wheel has been pressed oil and limit switch 260 has operated.

A cylinder housing 70 is supported by the standard extension 68 and a cylinder housing 763' is supported by the standard extension 68'. A piston 72 is reciprocally disposed within the cylinder housing 70. A piston rod 74 has one end fixedly secured to the piston 72. The other end of the piston rod 74 is fixedly secured to a fiange 76 on the cylinder housing 62. A similar structural interrelationship is provided between the cylinder housing 62 and the cylinder housing 7 9.

A resistor block or abutment 78- is fixedly disposed be tween the cylinder housings 44 and 44'. The resistor block 78 is provided with a Ushaped notch 79 in line with the centering pins 54 and 54'. Abutments such as adaptor blocks 80 and 82 are removaoly secured to the resistor block 78 at the U-shaped notch 79. As shown more clearly in FIGURE 2, the adaptor blocks are U-shaped. As will be made clear hereinafter, the axle 22 is adapted to be disposed within the U-sh-aped notch 79 when supported at its ends by the centering pins 54 and 54.

As shown more clearly in FIGURE 2, the resistor block '78 is supported by parallel side rails 8d and 86. The rails 84 and 86 extend between and are supported at their ends by the standard extensions 68 and 8. The resistor block 78 supports on its upper surface a pair of struts 88 and 96 which in turn support the axle centering device 89. The rods 92 and 92' extend into the axle centering device 89 and terminates in racks meshed with pinion 94.

A pair of wheel receiving means 161 and 103 is supported in the channels 14 and 16. Wheel receiving means 101 having a pressure cylinder 1% is supported in the channel 16 between the standard 41 and the pressure cylinder 28. The wheel receiving means 193 includes a pressure cylinder 1% and is supported in the channel 14 between the standard 41 and the pressure cylinder 28'. Each wheel receiving means is identical. Accordingly, only wheel receiving means 101 will be discussed in detail with primed numerals being provided on corresponding structure on wheel receiving means M33.

The pressure cylinder 1% has a piston 1112 reciprocally disposed therein. The piston 192 is fixedly secured to a piston rod 104; which extends through the upper end of the cylinder 160. The end of the piston rod 104 remote from the piston 102 is fixedly secured to a channel member 166 which is adapted to receive the wheel 26 when the same has been separated from the axle 22 as will be made clear hereinafter.

Referring to FIGURE 3, a pump 1% has its inlet side in communication with a source of motive fluid such as hydraulic oil. The outlet side of the pump 1% is connected to the opposite ends of the cylinders 28 and 28' through conduits 11% and 112 and a remote controlled four-way valve 114. The output side of the pump 1% is also connected to the hydraulic motors 42 and 42 through conduits 11s and 118 and a remote controlled four-way valve 129. V

The output side of the pump 1% is hydraulically connected to opposite ends of the cylinder 7 1) through conduits 128- and 131) and a remote controlled four-way valve 132. The output side of the pump 108 is hydraulically connected to opposite ends of the cylinder through conduits 122 and 124 and a remote controlled four-way valve 126.

The output side of the pump ms is hydraulicaly connected to opposite ends of the cylinder 1% through conduits 134 and 136 and a remote controlled four-way valve 138. The output side of the pump 108 is hydraulically connected to opposite ends of the cylinder 160' through conduits 140 and 142 and a remote controlled four-way valve 144.

As shown more clearly in FIGURE 4, a second pump. 1% has its inlet side in communication with a source of motive fluid such as hydraulic oil. The output side of the pump 146 is connected to each of the cylinder housings 44 and 44' by identical conduit circuitry. Hence, the output side of pump 1% is connected to opposite ends of the traversing cylinders 48 and 5% by conduits 148 and 150 and a remote controlledfour-way valve 152. Motive fluid in conduit 148 may enter the main cylinder 46 through line condition responsive valve 154 and conduit 155. The conduit 156 is in communication with a surge tank 158. Corresponding structure is provided to supply and control motive fluid for the components associated with the cylinder housing 44'.

As shown more clearly in FIGURE 4, a third pump 16% is hydraulically connected to opposite ends of the cylinders 62 and 62' through conduits 162 and 164 and a remote controlled four-way valve 166.

The remaining components of the press 10 including the circuitry illustrated in FIGURE fie-5d are more clearly explained in conjunction with the following discussion of the operation of the press Ml.

Operation A plurality of axle wheel sets are supported by inclined rails 18 and 20 in FIGURE 1 to the left of the mechanism 21 in FIGURE 2. In response to the completion of the disassembly of an axle Wheel set, the mechanism 21 will be actuated to permit one axle wheel set to be fed to the press 10. Such one axle wheel set rolls due to gravity to a disposition wherein it is disposed within the press 10 and in abutting contact with a limit stop so that the ends of,

normally closed contacts 242a (FIGURE 5a) of the axle center relay 242, the normally closed contacts 244]) of the demount press wheel clamp relay 244, one normally closed contact 291) of the left clamp right limit switch, a normally closed contact 294 of the right clamp left limit switch, the right demount press up limit switch 182 which is normally closed, to the demount press up solenoid 114. When the Wheels 24 and 26 are in abutting contact with the switches 172 and 172, the valve 114 will be actuated to a position whereby motive fluid flows through conduit 110 to the bottom of cylinders 23 and 23' thereby raising the axle elevators. Demount press up relay 256 is in parallel with solenoid 114a and switch 182. Therefore, it too is actuated. Actuation of relay 25il closes its associated contacts 252a in parallel with contacts 244b, 17 2, 172', 296 and 2%. Therefore, when the axle elevators start to rise and switches 1'72 and 172 are opened, the solenoid 1144: (FIGURE 5a) will continue to be actuated until the ends of the axle 22 are received between the V-blocks on each elevator. The axle elevators continue to rise carrying the axle Wheel set with them.

When the axle elevators reach the end of their stroke, switches 182 and 152 are actuated thereby. Since the switches 182 and 182 are in parallel, the last one of these switches to be actuated causes actuation of valve 12% so that motive fluid flows through conduit 116 to the hydraulic motors 42 and 42. Solenoid 120 is in series with the demount press ram centers pressure relay normally closed contacts 252a, and it is therefore energized. As the hydraulic motors 42 and 42' rotate, they cause pinions 45 and 40 to rotate which in turn causes the shoe plates 36 and 38 to reciprocate toward each other. As the shoe plates 36 and 38 reciprocate toward each other, the ends of the axle 22 are engaged at four points by the V-hlocks on each shoe plate. The V-blocks center the axle 22 so that its longitudinal axis will be in line with the conical tip on the centering pins 54 and 54 regardless of the diameter of the axle 22. When the V-blocks contact the axle 22, the pressure increases in conduit 116 causing pressure switch 176 to close its contacts. When pressure switch 176 closes its contacts, a circuit is completed to the latching relay 240E The latching relay 241E, once actuated, remains so actuated until it is unlatched by energization of unlatching relay 24th:.

The energization of 240L closes its associated contacts 2413b. This closes a circuit to solenoids 152r, 2541', 152L, and 254L. This circuit is complete as contacts 242a, contacts 252b, switch 2116, 256a, 252a, 216, 2611, and 258a are normally closed. 242a is one contact of the axle center relay. 252i) and 2520 are two contacts of the demount press ram center pressure relay. 216 and 216 are the left and right center pin limit switches. 255:: is one contact of the left ram right relay, and 258a is one contact of the right ram left relay. 2-53 is the right Wheel limit switch.

When valves 152 and 152 are energized, motive fluid flows through pump 146 through conduits 148 and 148' thereby reciprocating the centering pins 54 and 54 towards the ends of the axle 22. Actuation of relays 2541' and 254L closes contacts 254Lb and 2541-5 and opens contacts 254-La and 254m. This places solenoids 124 and 184' across the direct current line. Solenoids 18-4 and 184 are the respective release valves for solenoids 152'! and 152L.

The centering pins 54 and 54' are adapted to enter center holes at the ends of the axle 22. Since the cross plates 52 and 52" are connected to the main rams, the main rams also reciprocate therewith. In order to prevent the formation of a vacuum behind the rams, the surge tanks 153 and 158' permit motive fluid to enter the main cylinder as the main cylinder rams reciprocate with the plates 52 and 52. When the centering pins 54 and 54' are in abutting contact with the ends of the axle 22, the pressure within the traverse cylinders will increase to approximately 800 pounds per square inch. At the same time that latching relay 240T. energized solenoids 152r, 152L, 254r and 254L, it de-energized by opening contacts 246a the elevator up solenoid 114a and solenoid 2511. As the main rams move in, they cause pressure to build up in conduit 148'. When it reaches a given value, pressure switch 178 is actuated to cause the following operations: (1) Valve 166 is energized so that motive fluid flows through conduit 164 to the cylinders 62 and 62' thereby causing jaws 53 and 58' to move away from each other. Solenoid 166 is energized as contacts 2412b and 264a are normally closed. Contacts 264a are controlled by demount press wheel up timing relay 264-. At the same time, (2) latching relay 252L is operated moving its normally closed contacts to an open disposition and its normally open contacts to a closed disposition. Contacts 252d bypass the pressure switch 178. Contacts 1252b and 252a de-energize solenoids 152'r and 2541', 152L and 25 1-12. (3) Valve 124) is de-energized by the opening of contacts 252a. This causes the hydraulic motors 42 and 42 to be reversed causing the V-blocks to move to their open disposition. When the V-blocks reach the end of their travel, they abut a limit stop, pressure builds up in conduit 118, and pressure switch 18-8 is closed.

When pressure switch 184i is closed, it energizes solenoid sea. Energization of solenoid 262 completes the circuit to energize the elevator down solenoid 114d. This circuit is completed through the closed contacts 252d, 242b, 252e, 242e, 262a, 174, and the solenoid 142d. Motive fluid flows through conduit 112 thereby lowering the elevators to the disposition illustrated in FIGURE 1. When the elevators reach their lowermost position as illustrated in FIGURE 1, the last of limit switches 174 and and 174 tie-energize the down solenoid 114d (FIGURE 5b). Additionally, as pressure builds up in the wheel clamp line 162, the pressure switch 163 closes. As 174 and 174' close, they complete a circuit to the wheel clamp relay solenoid 244. Energization of wheel clamp solenoid 244 closes contacts 244a in parallel with the now open contacts 25211. The closing of contacts 244a completes a circuit to the left ram right solenoid 1521' and its associated release valve 184 through solenoid 2541-. As pressure builds up in conduit 143', the entire wheel axle set and the centering pins 54 and 54' reciprocate to the right until wheel 24 abuts the adaptor block 82. As the wheel set reciprocates to the right in FIGURE 1, the fluid in the rapid traverse cylinders 48 and 50 can flow over valve 152 and a built-in back pressure valve to the tank. The back pressure in the tank line of valve 152 is sufllcient to hold the axle between the center pins 54 and 54. At the same time, the check valve 186 opens by means of valve 184. The fluid in the main cylinder 46 can flow into the surge tank 158. When the pressure acting on the cylinders 49 and 51 reaches a predetermined point such as 1,000 pounds per square inch, line condition responsive valve 154- opens thereby permitting the fluid to flow through conduit 156'. The pressure of the fluid flowing through conduit 156' causes the check valve 186 to reciprocate to the right in FIGURE 1 thereby interrupting communication between the surge tank 158 and the main cylinder 46'. Thereafter, the pressure in the conduit 156' causes the movable valve element in the check valve 186 to move to an open disposition so that pressurized fluid may enter the cylinder 46' thereby causing the main press ram 55 to reciprocate to the right.

Since the wheel 24 is in abutting contact with the adaptor block 82, movement of the main press ram 55' and axle 22 to the right in FIGURE 1 separates the wheel 24 from the axle 22. As soon as the break-away pressure is reached, the pressure will gradually drop. While this operation is taking place, wheels 24 and 26 are fixedly held by the wheel holders. It will be understood that as the axle wheel set was reciprocated to the right so that wheel 24 may abut adaptor block 82, the wheel holder is reciprocated therewith since they are supported by rods 92 and 52'. After wheel 24 has been pressed off the axle 22, left wheel off limit switch 216 is actuated de-energizing solenoid 152'r and 2541*. After this, left ram right limit switch 294 is actuated completing the circuit to left clamp left solenoid 1261. (FIGURE 5b) and left ram right relay 256L. This circuit is complete then through left clamp left limit switch 228, contacts 266a of right clamp relay 266, closed contacts 2422, and normally closed left clamp limit switch 19%. Actuation of relay 256L insures de-energization of left ram right solenoid 152'1- and 2541' by opening contacts 256a. Thus, the fiuid in rapid traverse cylinders 48 and 50 can flow over valve 152' and a built-in back pressure valve to the tank. At the same time, the check valve 186' opens by means of a valve 184 which had been de-energized by the de-energizai tion of solenoid 254;. The fluid in the main cylinder 46' can then flow into surge tank 153.

When solenoid 126L is energized, motive fluid flows through conduit 12 thereby reciprocating the wheel 24 to the left in FIGURE 1. This reciprocation continues until limit switch 1% is actuated by the cylinder 62'. Actuation of limit switch 1% tie-energizes solenoid 12514 and energizes left clamp relay 263. Left clamp relay 268 has contacts 268a which bypass the contacts of left clamp limit switch 1%. Additionally, left clamp relay 268 has contacts 25% which bypass then open contacts 252a to energize right ram left solenoid 152L and its associated solenoid 25414. When solenoid l52L is energized, motive fluid flows through conduit 148 to cause the pistons 4-9 and 51 to reciprocate to the left. Thereafter, the wheel 26 will be caused to separate from the axle 22 in the same manner as described above with reference to wheel 24. As wheel 26 has been pressed off the axle 22, right wheel oil limit switch 216 is actuated tie-energizing solenoid 152L and 254L. After this the plate 52 will actuate limit switch 292. Additionally, as the axle was moved off center,

. limit switch 26% was tripped preventing movement of the right ram to the left for a time delay determined by the timing relay 266th". Movement of limit switch 26% closes a circuit to energize relay 26d and close contacts 269: after a short time delay. Closing of contacts 26th energizes right ram left solenoid 152L and its associated solenoid 254L which controls relief valve 184'.

As stated, the right ram moves to the left tripping limit switch 216 which de-energizes solenoids ll52L and 254E Movement of the right ram to the left also trips limit switch 202 energizing right clamp right solenoid 132r and right ram left relay 258L. Right ram left relay 25$L closes contact 2581) bypassing the right ram left limit switch 2li2. Solenoid 25SL also closes its contacts 258s and 253d and opens contacts 258a. This tie-energizes right ram left solenoid 152L and its associated solenoid 2541.. As the right clamp moves right, it abuts limit switch 194 closing a circuit to right clamp relay 266 and left ram right unlatch coil 256a. Unlatching of left ram right relay 25% returns its contacts to the position shown in FEGURE 5. Energization of right clamp right relay 2&6 o ens contacts 266a and closes contacts 266]; insuring the unlatching of left ram right relay 256.

Since switches 216 and 216' are closed, center timing relay 3% is energized, closing its associated timing contacts 3tltla and 390.) (FIGURE 51;) after a given time and thus completing a circuit to solenoid i152;- and 254r forcing the left ram right. As the axle is moved to the right, it actuates limit switch 1% latching relay 2421c. Latching of relay 242L completes the circuit including contacts 242 contacts 258d, and contacts 262]) to energize axle elevator up solenoid 11% (FIGURE 5a). Additionally, contacts 242/1 close the circuit energizing wheel elevator valves 144a and 138a (FIGURE 50) causing fluid to flow through conduits 14d and 134 raising the wheel elevators.

Movement of the axle elevators trips limit switches 182 and 182 causing valve 114 to be de-energized and valve 129 to be energized. At the same time, relay 252a (FTGURE 5a) is unlatched and receiver forward solenoid 268 is energized as contacts 242k are closed. The re cciver forward solenoid energizes the mechanism to receive the wheels. Movement of the elevators up trips limit switches 188 and 1&2. The pressure builds up to the setting of pressure switches 21d and 212. This causes valves 138 and 144 to be tie-energized and valve 1661; (FIGURE 5a) to be energized. Valve 3 5a is energized as relay 2'79 closes contacts 170a energizing timing relay 264. Closing of timing relay 264 closes a circuit including contacts 26 211 and solenoid 166w.

Operation of valve 126 causes motive fluid to flow to the hydraulic motors 42 and 4-2. Operation of these hydraulic motors causes the V-bloclrs to be reciprocated towards each other as described above so that the axle 22 is held in the V-blocks of the axle elevators.

When the axle 22 is securely held between the V-bloelts, the pressure in conduit lit: increases until pressure switch 176 closes. Pressure switch 176 actuates valves 152'L (FEGURE 5a) and 1521' so that motive fluid is supplied to conduits 15% and 15%. Pressure switch 176 also operates valves 18d and 18 5' which in turn allows check valves 186 and ran to open. Motive fluid in conduits 155) and Edd causes the centering pins 54 and 54 to be reciprocated a a direction away from each other. As the centering pins 54 and 54' are reciprocated away from each other, the axle 22 is held by the elevators and each wheel is held in its clamping means.

When the axle receiver solenoid 268 was actuated, it forced axle receiver cylinder 198 forward until limit switch 2% was tripped. At this point, the axle receiver solenoid 258 was de-energized. Closing of axle receiver forward limit switch 2% energizes axle elevator down solenoid 114d lowering the elevator until limit switches 17 i and 174' are tripped which stops movement of the axle elevator.

Actuation of valve 1661: caused motive fluid to be supplied through conduit 162 thereby causing the jaws 58 and 58 to reciprocate towards each other. As the jaws 58 reciprocate, the wheels 24 and 26 were transferred to the channel members 1% and 1% respectively. At the same time, timing relay ass closes a circuit to relay 276 whose contacts 267a insure the de-energization of solenoils 144a and 132s. Actuation of relay 276 closes contacts 2765 which energizes down solenoids 138d and 144d. When the valves 138d and 144:! are energized, the channel members res and 1% lescend to a point wherein limit switches 218 and 220 are actuated. When switches 218 and 22% are actuated, solenoids 138d and 144d are deenergized and a relay 272 (FIGURE 5d) is energized.

Energization of relay 272 closes the circuit to left clamp right solenoid 1261' and right clamp left solenoid 1321.. Thus, the wheel holders are reciprocated to their initial position illustrated in FIGURE 1. When the wheel holders attain the position illustrated in FIGURE 1, left clamp right limit switch 296) and right clamp left limit switch 2% d e-energizes their respective solenoids 1251* and 1321s. Thus, the wheel holders are reciprocated to their initial position illustrated in FIGURE 1 and are in the wheel receiving position. Simultaneously, relay 272 actuates a mechanical ejection mechanism 222 thereby causing the wheels 24 and 26 to move onto the scrap wheel conveyor 224.

[is the axle elevators were descending, the central portion of the axle 22 contacts the axle receiving arms thereby causing the V-blocks to pivot about the pins 226 and 228. The arms 1% are inclined so that the axle 22 may roll therealong to an axle receiving area.

As the axle 22 is rolling along the arm 198, it is transferred to the conveyor and switch 230 is actuated. When switch 23 (FiGURES 2 and So) is actuated, it energizes the unlatch relay 242a (FIGURE 5d) to unlatch relay When relay MZL is unlatched, contacts 2421 (FIG- URE 5d) close and receiver reverse solenoid'2'78 (FIG- URE 5:!) is actuated. This causes the arms 1% to reciprocate to the right in FIGURE 2. The arms 198 continue to reciprocate until limit switch 232 (FIGURES 2 and 5:!) is actuated. As soon as the axle is removed, the switch 232 is reset. Relay 24011 has been unlatched by the closing originally of relay 242m.

Thereafter, the press iii is ready to receive another axle set and the above operation is repeated.

In the above description of the operation of the press 10, particular attention is directed to the fact that the sequence of operations is initiated by completion of a pre vious operation. The entire process is completely automatic. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in the sequence of operations as well as the manner in which particular operations are initiated.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification as indicating the scope of the invention.

1 claim:

1. A demounting press comprising a pair of elevators for elevating an axle wheel set to a demounting position, centering pins mounted for reciprocation toward and away from the ends of an axle, jaw means lying in a plane above the plane of the centering pins for clampingly holding wheels on a wheel set, a resistor block means between the centering pins, means for selectively reciprocating the centering pins toward the resistor block means so that a wheel may be separated from its axle by engagement with the resistor block means, and means for reciprocating the jaw means so that the distance between the wheels is greater than the length of the axle on which the wheels were formerly press-fitted, and means for supporting the foregoing in cooperative relationship.

2. A press in accordance with claim 1 wherein said elevators include V-bloclrs reciprocally mounted toward and away from each other for centering an axle wheel set so that the longitudinal axis of an axle is in line with the longitudinal axis of the centering pins regardless of the diameter of the axle.

3. An automatic demounting press comprising a pair of elevators mounted for reciprocation along an upright axis, said elevators being adapted to raise an axle wheel set from a receiving position to a demounting position, a pair of centering pins having a longitudinal axis coinciding with the longitudinal axis of an axle in the de mounting position thereof, a pair of jaws adapted to embracingly engage each wheel of an axle wheel set, an abutment block between said jaws, means for reciprocating the axle wheel set and centering pins along with the jaws in opposite directions so that each wheel of the axle wheel set is sequentially placed in abutting contact with the abutment block thereby causing separation between each wheel and its axle, means for reciprocating the jaws away from each other so that the distance between each wheel is greater than the length of its axle, means for causing separation of the jaws so that each wheel may be conveyed to a remote point, means for conveying the axle to a remote point, and means for supporting the foregoing in cooperative relationship.

4. In an automatic demounting press, comprising a pair of opposed cylinder housings, each cylinder housing including a main ram terminating in a centering pin, each housing having a pair of traversing cylinders, pistons in each traversing cylinder connected to the centering pin associated with each main ram, means for causing the main rams to selectively move in use and in one direction and then in unison in an opposite direction, a pair of jaw means reciprocably supported in a plane above the plane of the centering pins for holding the wheels on an axle wheel set as the wheels are separated from the axle due to reciprocation of the main rams, a resistor block, each wheel being adapted to be in abutting engagement with the resistor block due to the reciprocation of the axle wheel set by the main rams, said resistor block being U-shaped in cross section so that more than 180 arcuate degrees of contact may be attained between each wheel and the resistor block, and means for supporting the foregoing in cooperative relationship.

5. In a demounting press in accordance with claim 4 including a pair of reciprocally disposed arms, means for reciprocating said arms to a position to receive a discrete axle, and said arms being inclined so that said axle may roll along said arms to a remote point.

6. An automatic demounting press comprising a pair of opposed rams having centering pins, a pair of elevators adapted to elevate an axle wheel set to a position so that the axle of said set is in line with the centering pins regardless of the diameter of the axle, a. pair of reciprocably supported jaws each adapted to embracingly engage one wheel of the axle wheel set, resistor block means between said jaws, means for reciprocating the rams and jaws along with the axle wheel set in opposite directions so that the wheels may be separated from the axle by contact with said resistor block means, spaced channel members reciprocably supported to receive discrete wheels from the jaws, means for receiving an axle which has been separated from its wheels, means for reciprocating the main rams in a direction away from each other so that the axle may be supported solely by the last mentioned means and means supporting the foregoing in cooperative relationship.

7. A press in accordance with claim 6 including a switch for reciprocating the elevating means in an upward direction, said switch being responsive to the presence of an axle wheel set above the elevating means.

8. An automatic demounting press comprising spaced aligned centering pins mounted for movement in an axial direction, structure for guiding the movement of an axle wheel set so that the axle portion thereof is in alignment with the longitudinal axis of and between said pins, means for selectively moving said pins toward each other until each pin is engaged with an end portion of the axle, a separate jaw means associated with each centering pin for embracing one wheel of the axle wheel set, means for selectively moving said pins and their respective jaw means simultaneously in an axil direction of the pins, an abutment disposed between said jaw means against which the wheels of the axle wheel set may seqeuntially abut during the last-mentioned movement of the pins so that each wheel may be separated from the axle while each wheel is embraced by its respective jaw means, structure for receiving discrete wheels from each jaw means, means for moving said pins in an axial direction away from each other, structure for receiving a discrete axle after separation of the axle from engagement by the pins due to the last-mentioned movement of the pins, and means supporting the foregoing in cooperative relationship.

9. An automatic demounting press comprising a pair of aligned centering pins mounted for movement in an axial direction, a pair of elevators below the longitudinal axis of said pins and adapted to elevate an axle wheel set to a position so that the longitudinal axis of said axle is in line with the longitudinal axis of the centering pin regardless of the diameter of the axle, structure for guiding movement of an axle wheel set to a position wherein it will be supported by said elevators, means for selectively moving said pins toward each other until each pin is engaged with an end portion of the axle, means supporting a separate jaw for each wheel, each jaw being mounted to embrace and engage one wheel of the axle wheel set when the axle wheel set is disposed between said pins, an abutment between the wheels of the axle wheel set, said abutment having a separate surface for engagement with each wheel of the axle wheel set, means for selectively moving said pins simultaneously in an axial direction thereof while the pins are in engagement with an end portion of the axle to cause movement of the axle in an axial direction thereof relative to one wheel while the wheel is in abutting engagement with juxtaposed surface on the abutment to thereby cause the wheel to separate from the axle while the wheel is embraced by its respective jaw, structure for receiving discrete wheels from each jaw, means for selectively moving said pins in an axial direction thereof away from each other so that the pins are no longer in engagement with an end portion of the axle, structure for receiving the discrete axle after separation of the axle from engagement with the pins, and means supporting the foregoing in cooperative relationship.

(References on following page) 1 1 l 2 References Cited by the Examiner 3,031,741 5/62 Bernardi 29-200 UNITED STATES PATENTS ,050,8 7 8/62 Reed et a1 29-208 799 229 9/05 Ffldes 29-252 3,073,017 1/63 Reed et a! 29252 8451397 2/07 Cullen, 6t 29-4452 5 WHITMORE A. WILTZ, Primary Examiner. 1,054,557 2/13 Jensemus 29252 1 707 905 4 29 perbyshire 29.452 W M DM THOM S H. EAGER,

2,906,012 9/59 Rothfuchs et a1 29-252 Examiners. 

1. A DEMOUNTING PRESS COMPRISING A PAIR OF ELEVATORS FOR ELEVATING AN AXLE WHEEL SET TO A DEMOUNTING POSITION, CENTERING PINS MOUNTED FOR RECIPROCATION TOWARD AND AWAY FROM THE ENDS OF AN AXLE, JAW MEANS LYING IN A PLANE ABOVE THE PLANE OF THE CENTERING PINS FOR CLAMPINGLY HOLDING WHEELS ON A WHEEL SET, A RESISTOR BLOCK MEANS BETWEEN THE CENTERING PINS, MEANS FOR SELECTIVELY RECIPROCATING THE CENTERING PINS TOWARD THE RESISTOR BLOCK MEANS TO THAT A WHEEL MAY BE SEPARATED FROM ITS AXLE BY ENGAGEMENT WITH THE RESISTOR BLOCK MEANS, AND MEANS FOR RECIPROCATING THE JAW MEANS SO THAT THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE WHEELS WERE FORMERLY PRESS-FITTED, AND MEANS FOR SUPPORTING THE FOREGOING IN COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIP. 